Why Trees Are Important To The Environment

Every year, humans cut down an estimated 15 billion trees on Earth, including about one billion in the Amazon rain forest alone. This is not only bad for the environment but also has terrible effects on human health. Decreased visibility due to smog can increase traffic accidents while increased exposure to harmful chemicals can cause respiratory infections or cancers in humans.

To better understand their worth, we will explore the tree's environmental benefits including carbon storage, pollution removal, oxygen production, soil improvement, habitat and food for wildlife, and temperature regulation.

Trees reduce air pollution

Outdoor air pollution contributes to the deaths of about 7 million people each year around the world. In order to scrub our environment clean from this deadly pollutant, trees help us out by using their leaves and soil to filter out these toxic substances from the air.

During photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone. In addition to absorbing pollutants from outside air, trees also produce fresh oxygen and release it into the atmosphere.?

One large tree can release about 275 liters of oxygen per day while one person requires about 600 liters per day so they can survive and maintain an active life. Hence, the importance of urban greenery in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases cannot be overstated.?

Trees cools down our cities

Trees are one of the most effective ways to cool down our cities. With climate change progressing, temperatures in cities are rising. And while planting trees sounds like an easy task, it’s not always that simple. We have to take into account different factors such as soil conditions, water availability, size of trees and more.

When trees are planted correctly they provide shade from the sun during summer months which results in lower temperatures on city streets and sidewalks. They also produce oxygen which improves air quality and reduces smog. Plus they can remove carbon dioxide from the air which helps with climate change mitigation.

In addition to providing shade, trees' leaves also absorb sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed by the built environment during daylight hours and insulates homes on warm nights.

Trees trap carbon from the atmosphere

Trees are the organic air filters of our planet. With carbon dioxide levels rising as humans burn more fossil fuels, it is only in recent years that we have started to understand just how important they are to mitigate our carbon footprints.?

Trees, like other plants, rely on sunlight for energy, and through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the ground, then release it back to the atmosphere.? Furthermore, trees trap carbon from the atmosphere in the form of sugars, store it in their wood and roots, and provide homes for wildlife.

Trees reduce stormwater runoff and nutrient loads

In order to prevent stormwater runoff and nutrient loads, trees are planted around the city to keep our rivers and streams cleaner and healthier.

Tree roots release a chemical called nitric acid which helps control the amount of nitrogen in water for a healthier environment. Besides that, tree canopies capture and decrease the impact of heavy downpours while robust tree roots prevent floods from occurring. Furthermore, tree roots lower phosphorus, nitrogen and metal content in runoffs.

In order to prevent stormwater from damaging our communities, we need to plant more trees in urban areas and preserve those that are already there.

To come to know more about trees and their importance, visit Canopy Consulting. Need help with your trees? Contact us at [email protected].